Tower



May 1, 1945. D. oRDlNG E-r AL TOWER Filed Nov. 16, 1942 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 1945. D. oRDlNG ET AL May TOWER 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed Nov. 16, 1942 Jinplllzzx-:rnt- Ann-1.1 -nlunr u Patented May I, 1945 e uNflTEDfvi-smoes PAT Application novellanet 16, 1o4'2, seriarNo. 465,76;

-` consumov ou This relatesA to^""towers""and more particularlyhas referenceL to" towers of reinforced concrete'V construction for the" purpose of supporting"Water'tanks and otherI heavygstructures.

Concrete tovuers; .or atl leas t ta l11 concrete towers',v havenotl heretofore beenV used because o f the greater' ease o f assern'loliirrgh and".build ing stee1 towers anol'otlire;` lower rst cost' ofsteel towers. ho wever when` steel is' out' of the, question for' any" structure thai; can be made without it,v

reinforced concrete is 'worthy' o f"`consi'deration.

The fact is thatfeven thouglrfthef'rst" cost; ofthe, concrete tower is greater by asizable amount 4ol?. money, the'cost overig;J pgeri'odof yearsis less` because thereA is. practicallyno upkeep to aconcrete towerwhereas asteel towrmust be scraped and. painted periodically to. preventfits destruction by'rust most sections of the United States Anotherl objection to' the' concrete tower has been the ratherunsi'ghtlvappearance of concrete.

unless plastered over onthe outside. is due primarily tothe lines and irregularities appearing. on the surface of thec'oncrete structure by reason oftheA joints formed betweemthe successive pourings ofthe concrete and by reason. of .joints in, the moldingtform into which concrete is poured; r l l' An object; of this invention is, to. provide a cloncreter tower constructed.` to avoid the disadvan; tages pointed out hereinhefore 1 l Another obect of this invention `i`sto, provide a tower" of reinforced: concrete construction, which of relativel'yliigh strength and whichlacks the unsightly appearance oi' normally-constructed concrete structures. n

A furlilrerl object of this invention is, toprovide. a concrete, tower having Yaninner` group of columns surrounded.' byan, outer. group of. columns and having a` plurality of horizontal beaxns conrrecting thel 'zol'rnnifrsl of the; inner group togethen connecting the columns of the outer group' to# getherand extendingbetween theinnerand outer gfronpsoii columnsandftheirconnecting beams. anotlrerobject of this im'nention isto" provider a.` concrete tower formed! of as. group' of' vera sun mother cogeco.@etnicinvenuon'is to provide la vcontn'rcftie' tower' supporting fwater tanks'haizlngf a'; conduitdpendirigf' from-the center portion-.ofthe lattertower comprises an` innen; group of' verticalA colurnne spaced=- about conduit, an 'outer group of;v columns spaced about; said condo-it? but more remote-"therefrom, aa- Ip'l'ur-"rvlity of" groups 'or horizontally" extend-ing beams connecting the!eolsumisorI the inner group together, connecting the columns of `the outer groupyt'ogether; andi extendingfbetween the i-nne'r andiouter giroupsof columns and' the beams conmeeting theA same;and means` horizontally' extonding'betwerr said conduit and thei-nner 7group ofcoiirmns'landitiie beams" connecting" the same. Witlir thesearrd other" objects in View as ufill' appear' more fuillfyfheroinafter, Athe inventionref sides in the* ports--` andi"coinlrirratiinfisn of thel tower n hereinafter descri'bedlandl illustrated in the idravv 20 .,t

and inthe' of 'constructing the same. lfirthd Wings:V y Figure -lv 1s an elevationalvevfo atowerjconf structed in accordance with the present invenf. tion.

. toweriuusprateo'inr'fg; i, n Figi 3" ifs'a horiacvntal` sectional. view taken1on org; 4- a fragmentary schoirar 'View "taken 'smshovvn in' the drawings, the. concrete tower accordingA torthe present invention comprise s a luralityj offllplf'ghts o1" vertical columns which are in terconne ctedby horizontal beams arranged fatvarious regions; throughout the height othe t tower. 4 The'verticalcolumnsare arranged the ticallv,r extendhig' colxwmnswconnectedby a plut ratito;Y ofi `verticallyrspaced groups off' horizontally extending beams in which the outer'surfacesof the columns arefformed' with; a plurality of panels,

formofjan'inner grouporoolumn'g l; la, lb and Ic and an'outer group of'colurnng, 2`, 2a 2b, 2c, 2d, 2"e;` 2f' andV 2g; Injthe speci'iic embodiment. illustrated", the group of inner Icolumns,A I" are of angularorosssection and, are arranged inthe form offafsquare or rectangular enclosure, as clearly showniniiig. 3Q of thei drawngs, t, l

Y Columns Z] of theoutergroup of columns are equallxlu` spaced about. the center ori. the `enclosure formedfhy the inner group of colllnfrnsil` andare aligned'withtheldiagonals of the. square enclosure formedhy the inner groupvoicolumnst; `For instance1 columns` andoV 2b jarew a-l-ig'ned` with colunztn-s;V tw and` Ilo-of Itime inn-erl group: and' accolumns 4l: and I @respectively 'or the" inner group of columns v grounare'arranged are aligned' '111e other columns "2 of the outerv with median planes passing through the sides of the square enclosure formed by the inner group of columns I. For instance, outer columns 2d and 2e lie in a median plane passing through one side of the square enclosure formed by the inner columns I and outer columns 2f and 2g lie in the median plane passing through the other sides of the enclosure formed by said inner group of columns.

While for purposes of illustration the inner. group of columns comprises four columns of angle cross section and the outer group of columns comprises eight columns of substantially rectan;

gular cross'section, it is within the concept of the present invention to employ various numbers of columns within the inner and outer groups of columns and various shapes within each of said groups.

The vertically extending columns are supported on footings 8 which in turn are supported upon a subfooting 9 which may comprise a concrete slab or other suitable foundation element.

At various levels throughout the height of the tower the vertical columns I, Ia, Ib, Ic ofthe inner group and the vertical columns 2, 2a,l 2b, 2c, 2d, 2e, 2f, 2g of the outer group are connected-together by horizontal beams. 'I'he v-arious columns of the outer group are connected together by horizontally extending beams 3 and the various columns of the inner group are connected together by a plurality of horizontally,

extending beams 4. In addition a plurality of beams 5 extend between the columns of the inner and outer groups. Since there are twice as many columns 2 in the outer group as there are columns I in the inner group, alternate columns of the outer group are connected by beams 6 with the connecting beams 4 of the inner group of columns. Fig. 3 of the drawings clearly shows the arrangement of the vertical columns and the several types of horizontal beams interconnecting the columns of each group, the columns vof the ltwo groups, and the connecting beams.

In addition to the radially extending beams 6 connecting the inner and outer groups of columns. and interconnecting beams, there is a further'group of beams I which extend in. a `substantially radial direction between the beams 4 of the inner group of columns and beams 3a of the outer group of columns. These additional radially extending beams 'I are desirable for providing an eiective, support for a floor to be constructed on the upper portion of the tower.

By increasing the number of radially extending beams, the thickness of the floor on the upper portion of the tower may be maintained at a minimum and will provide a more useful and effective support for a load to be carried thereon.

Also the depth of the beams forming the support for the floor may be of minimum thickness.

By constructing the tower in accordance with the present invention with an inner and outer group of columns it is possible to mount the riserY for the supply and discharge of water from a tank supported by the tower within the rectangular enclosure formed by the inner group of columns. As' is clearly illustrated, in the drawings, the tubular conduit III is shown positioned' centrally of the tower and is supported in position by means of turnbuckles II which are connected to collars I2 mounted on the pipe or conduit I0 and extend between said collar' and anchors I3 imbedded in the concrete beams '4 interconnecting the inner group of columns I.

The arrangement of the pipe or conduit IIJ centrally of the inner group of supporting columnsiis an important feature of the present invention. When a water tank is supported on a tower, it is desirable that the pipe leading to the tower be located in the center of the latter. It is important that this pipe be adequately supported and protected and such support and protection will be ailorded by the several groups of columns in the center of which the pipe is mounted. Furthermore by constructing the tower so that the radially extending beams do not extend diametrically across the center of the tower, it is possible to locate the riser pipe at the true center of the tower rather than eccentrically as would be the case of a tower construction in which beams extended diametrically across the same.

In constructing a tower in accordance with the present invention, the footing is rst poured and then' the inner and outer columns for a height up to the lowest level of horizontal beams is poured in suitable forms provided for the purpose. Before pouring ,the concrete for forming the several columns reinforcing rods I4 are mounted in position. These rods may be positioned in accordance with the usual procedure employed in f ormingconcrete columns.

y After the lowermost group of inner and outer columns hasbeen poured and hardened to a sufcient extent the forms are prepared for pouring the vlowermost group of horizontally extending beams. In accordance with the present invention these beams areA cast as a unit and the portions of the outer beams 3 extending over the tops of the outer columns 2 are shaped so as to have the appearance of beingpart of the outer columns. These portions of the horizontal beams 3 are indicated by reference character I5 in the drawings. This phase of construction of the tower in accordance with the present invention is importantas it contributes greatly to the appearance of the nished tower.

In this connection it should be noted-that the outermost faces of the tower group of columns 2 are formed with vertically extending recesses I6 so that the outer faces of said columns comprise two marginal portions I1 between which lies the recess I6. After the portions I5 of the beams 3 are cast on top of the columns 2, said portions I5 of the horizontal 'beams cooperate with the recesses I6 to give a paneled appearance to the outer surfaces of the vertical columns 2. From the showing in Fig. 1 of the drawings it will be observed that the panels IB formed in the outer faces of the vertical columns 2 have their upper edges lying in the same plane as the lower surfaces of the horizontal beams 3 and .that the lower edges of said panel-forming recesses lie in a plane containing the upper surfaces of said horizontal beams 3. There will be a slight line between the juncture ofthe outer surfaces I'I of the columns 2 and the portions I5 of the horizontal beams but duel to the relatively' narrow extent of the surfaces I1, said line will be practically invisible and the vertical columns 2 will have the appearance of being. paneled as explained above. After alternately pouring columns and horizontal beams and reaching the desired height of the tower, the iinal or uppermost group of horizontal beams are poured as shown in Fig. 2 of the drawings. In addition toproviding the ver-v tically extending reinforcements I4, the present apra-seo inventionalseprbvides the "provision "of reinforcingrod'sllliin thelholfirientalbeams.` i. -"The` 'uppermost group other'izontal beams which wi-ll serve* `to `support 'the door `aretcltnfl-` structed of slightlye greater depth than the 'beams` at `the `intern-iediate levelsand kare reinforced in a somewhat `dilflferent nia-nner asl indicated by ithe reinforcing elements i9 and 2U? After pouring of the yuppermost'group of beams, reinforcing netting'z'l as indicated inrFigg'2 may beplaced in position to reinforce the `licor` which is 'poured in suitable formsso as to adhere `to the upper*- most group Iof beams. JIf desiredy -theuppermost group offbea `s `and "the yilo'or lmay be formed with a singlepouring. 1

The construction "according tothe present in` veri'ton`comprisin`g the two groups of columns connected bythe several groups of beams provides a strong practical tower; In addition to the inner group of columns housing and supporting the pipe, they give bettersupport for the load to 'be carried by the tower.

l Furthermore, if the columns on the outside were the only columns the size of the tank which size to take this load, the columns would have to be increased in size until the structure would be a commercial impossibility.

By providing four (or any other desired number) of supporting columns adjacent but not at the center of thetower and spaced circumferentially about the center of the tower, we' have avoided the necessity for extreme depth of the beam structure in the tank iloorpat the top of the tower because we have provided a support around the central` portion of the tower, and therefore made the beamlength less than half what it would be if it had to span the entire distance between outside columns. `These inner columns are tied together with beams extending between adjacent columnsbut' not extending andconstituting an "inner" group, a f plii'lrali'I 'sostantmiiy mainly across time lfeenftrarptrtln of theftloor andthls would incur'great conges-f" tion (if reinforcing bars `aswell` as? other almost insurmountable constructional diiiiculties i Fromthe foregoing description; it 'will bel real-v ized that th vpresent 'invention providesa tower structure which is effective yfor supporting heavy loads and which in addition lacks theol-sad"- vantage of prior art concrete constructiorrsiln' *that the disagreeable appearance oi said prior `art structures is elim-inate'ii.` 1"' Having described our invention, we" claimgf l j" V l. A supporting towerfcomprisingfourverticall concrete colnm-nsfof angle cross `section each defining the l corner of', a rectangular` enclosure of columns,I of substantially rectangularcross tion spaced about the" exterior of said rectangii-v lar enclosure defined .by the columns of angle cross section and constituting an outer group,

said columns of the outer group being positioned 0in alignment with diagonally opposed columns of i the inner group and in alignment with vertical median planes passing through said rectangular enclosure, horizontal beams connecting columns of the inner group, horizontal beams connecting `the columns of the outer group, horizontal beams connecting the aligned `columns of the inner and outer groups, and horizontal beams connecting across and the tie beams extending radially inwardly from the outside columns are tied to the inner columns and to the inner beams. This permits a beam extending from one outside column to be tiedto the beams extending from all the other outside columns Without any congestion of any reinforcing materials at the center of the structure. which the central portion is left free `for positioning the riser pipe exactly at the center of the structure. l

Furthermore, the riser pipe may be supported from the central columns and beams very easily by means of the turnbuckles at as many points as may be desired throughout its length. rIg'hus,

It also presents a structure in the central column and beam structure serves as a practical means of tying together the tie beams h from the outside columns, it provides a protection and support and an open central portion for a riser pipe, `and it lprovides a central support for the floor of a tank or the like at the top of the tower thus avoiding the massive beams that would otherwise be necessary. Also, with the structures shown the" floor at the top of the tower may be readily laid without difficulties in placing the reinforcing bars whereas if no central support were provided some means would have to be arranged for extending the reinforcing bars `the inner group and in alignment with vertical median planes passing through said rectangular enclosure, horizontal beams connecting the columns of the inner group, horizontal beams connecting the columns of therouter group, horizontal beams connecting the aligned columns of the inner and outer groups, and horizontal beams connecting the horizontal beams of the inner group of columns with `the columns of the outer group lying in said median planes, said tower having a plurality of horizontal beams at a plu-v rality of levels, the uppermost group of horizontal beams having additional horizontal beams ex tending between the horizontal beams connecting the columns of the respective groups.

3. A supporting tower comprising four vertical concrete columns of angle cross section each de lining the corner of a rectangular enclosure and constituting an inner group, a plurality of col.-` umns of substantially rectangular cross section spaced about the exterior of said rectangular enclosure defined by the columns of angle cross section and constituting an outer group, said columns of the outer4 group being positioned in alignment with diagonally opposed columns of the inner group and in alignment with vertical median planes passing through said rectangular enclosure', horizontal beams connecting columns of the inner group, horizontal beams connecting the columns of the outergroup, horizontal beams connecting the aligned columns of the inner and outer groups, horizontal beams connecting the horizontal `beams of the inner group of columns with thecolumns of the `outer'group lying in said median planes, said tower having a plurality of horizontal beams at a` pluralityiof levels, the uppermostgroup of horizontal beams having additional horizontal beams extending between the horizontal beams connecting the columns of the respective groups, and a reinforced concrete floor molded on said horizontal beams at the top of thetower.

l 4. `A supporting tower comprising four vertical concrete columns of angle cross section eachdening the corner of a rectangular enclosure and constituting an inner group, a plurality of columnsof substantially rectangular cross section spaced about the exterior of said rectangular enclosure defined by the columns of angle cross section and constituting an outer group, said columns of the outer group being positioned in alignment with diagonally opposed columns-of the inner group and in alignment with vertical median planes passing through said rectangular enclosure, horizontal beams connecting columns of the inner group, horizontal beams connecting the columns of the outer group, horizontal beams connecting the aligned columns of the inner and outer groups, horizontal beams connecting the horizontal beams of the inner group of columns with the -columns of the outer group lying in said median planes, said tower having a plurality of horizontalbeams at a plurality of levels, a tubular member extending coaxially of the inner group of columns, and horizontal braces extending between the beams connecting the inner groupy ofv columns and said. tubular member. DAGBERT ORDING.

LESLIE S. VALLELY. 

